Consultants said the airport will need an eight-gate concourse that could use boarding bridges like those at larger airports. Airport workers now roll a portable staircase to the plane so passengers can board.

Automobile access and parking will have to be improved, the consultants said.

Authority Chairman Bob Mitchell said the authority will review the proposal's details before making a recommendation to the Melbourne City Council, which has the final say over airport activities.

Airport executive director Ed Foster said he will prepare optional plans for raising the money, including possible contributions from airlines that use the airport.